The Navy has invested considerable effort and resources to model and analyze the effects of underwater sound sources used during training and testing activities. Based on recommendations from the Center for Independent Experts (sponsored by the National Marine Fisheries Service), the Navy created the Navy Acoustic Effects Model (NAEMO), an advanced acoustic modeling and simulation software tool. NAEMO is used as part of the Navy’s quantitative analysis process for estimating impacts on marine mammals and sea turtles from underwater sound associated with training and testing. NAEMO factors in the latest science and standardized parameters, such as marine species density, species-specific dive profiles, acoustic propagation data, Navy activity scenario definitions, and marine mammal and sea turtle acoustic threshold criteria.

NAEMO is an advanced acoustic modeling and simulation software tool used to assess potential effects on marine mammals from sonar and explosives. NAEMO factors in the latest science, standardized parameters, and additional considerations in the quantitative analysis process. The Navy uses data on marine animal movements, locations, and diving to predict where they may be present during training and testing. Modeled scenarios represent ships, aircraft, sonobuoys, and explosives, and their associated sound sources, movements, locations, and durations during typical training and testing activities.
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The Protective Measures Assessment Protocol (PMAP) is a software tool the Navy uses prior to conducting training and testing activities. PMAP provides a map that displays the location of the activity relative to any protected or sensitive marine resources in the vicinity. Based on the location, date, and type of activity being conducted, PMAP generates a report of the specific measures that naval units must implement to protect marine resources and to ensure compliance with mitigation requirements.